HOW WE ALLOCATE YOUR DONATIONS
The Alarming Decline of Africa's Wildlife: A Call to Action
Africa’s wildlife is vanishing at an alarming rate due to a dire combination of commercial poaching, snaring, and habitat loss due to human expansion. As habitats decrease and fragment, encounters between humans and wildlife are increasing, leading to tragic outcomes on both sides. However, there are effective solutions available that can mitigate these challenges, such as empowering local communities and the world at large, to understand and embrace the intrinsic value of their indigenous wildlife.
The Funding Gap in Wildlife Conservation
Many community-driven conservation programs currently lack the financial support they need to succeed. This is where Over and Above Africa becomes a crucial player. We provide essential funding to grassroots initiatives that larger wildlife organizations often overlook, ensuring that local voices are amplified in the fight for wildlife conservation.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Wildlife Protection
The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the plight of endangered species, severely impacting tourism revenues that are vital for wildlife protection. The drop in tourist numbers led to a decrease in funding for parks and game reserves, resulting in job losses for many rangers. This shift contributed to a resurgence in poaching activities, pushing vulnerable species even closer to the brink of extinction.
The Sixth Extinction: A Human-Made Crisis
We are currently amidst the Sixth Great Extinction, the first in history caused entirely by human activities. Endangered species such as elephants, rhinos, cheetahs, leopards, pangolins, giraffes, and lions have lost over 90% of their natural habitat in the last century. Without immediate action, these magnificent creatures could vanish forever within our lifetime.
A Collaborative Path Forward
The power to reverse this trend lies within all of us. Addressing the complex issues that drive poaching requires a multifaceted approach. By engaging and supporting communities directly affected by wildlife, we can create a supportive ecosystem for both people and animals. When we uplift one, we uplift all!
As Over and Above Africa’s global community continues to grow, so does our capacity for outreach and impact. We are dedicated to initiatives that bring together wildlife conservation, community development, and organizational support at the frontline.
A Change of Perspective
Poverty and hunger often create fertile ground for exploitation by criminal syndicates, who can lure locals with substantial sums of money, sometimes making the difference between life and death for struggling families. Asking a community to protect an elephant is a monumental task when they are faced with the daily struggle of food insecurity.
Empowering Communities for a Sustainable Future
With your help, we can empower these communities through education, skills enhancement, and essential resources. By supplying tools, clean water, food, and shelter, we can foster stronger partnerships between humans and wildlife.
Join Us in Making a Difference
Together, we can ensure a future where Africa’s wildlife thrives alongside its people. Support Over and Above Africa in our mission to create sustainable solutions for wildlife conservation and community empowerment. Every contribution counts!